Contrast developer Bracco Diagnostics said it is making syringe packs with spikes available for use with its CT contrast delivery systems.
Designed specifically for use with the EmpowerCTA and CT systems, the syringe packs offer greater flexibility in contrast and saline preparation, the company said. The product also reduces opportunities for contamination, while reducing mess and permitting more efficient contrast loading, Bracco said.
The spikes work with all contrast and saline volumes to promote workflow efficiencies and ease of use. In addition, the syringe packs conform to the Joint Commission's guidelines pertaining to the safe preparation of medications, according to the company.



















![Images show the pectoralis muscles of a healthy male individual who never smoked (age, 66 years; height, 178 cm; body mass index [BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared], 28.4; number of cigarette pack-years, 0; forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1], 97.6% predicted; FEV1: forced vital capacity [FVC] ratio, 0.71; pectoralis muscle area [PMA], 59.4 cm2; pectoralis muscle volume [PMV], 764 cm3) and a male individual with a smoking history and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) (age, 66 years; height, 178 cm; BMI, 27.5; number of cigarette pack-years, 43.2, FEV1, 48% predicted; FEV1:FVC, 0.56; PMA, 35 cm2; PMV, 480.8 cm3) from the Canadian Cohort Obstructive Lung Disease (i.e., CanCOLD) study. The CT image is shown in the axial plane. The PMV is automatically extracted using the developed deep learning model and overlayed onto the lungs for visual clarity.](https://img.auntminnie.com/mindful/smg/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/03/genkin.25LqljVF0y.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&h=112&q=70&w=112)